INEOS Boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe Claims UK ‘Colonised’ by Immigrants
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of INEOS and part-owner of Manchester United, has made headlines with his recent comments on immigration in the UK. He stated that the country has been “colonised” by immigrants, asserting that this has led to significant pressure on state resources.
Concerns Over Immigration and State Resources
In an interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe argued that Britain’s immigration levels pose serious political, social, and economic challenges. He highlighted the staggering figure of approximately nine million people relying on state benefits, while also noting a significant influx of immigrants.
Ratcliffe remarked, “I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money.” His claims were underscored by noting an increase in the UK’s population, which rose from 58 million in 2000 to an estimated 70 million by 2024.
Population Statistics
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 58.9 million |
| 2020 | 67 million |
| 2024 (Estimated) | 70 million |
Political Insights and Leadership
Ratcliffe also expressed concerns regarding the current political leadership in the UK, particularly around Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He commented on Starmer’s leadership style, suggesting that it might lack the decisiveness needed to tackle the current issues facing the country.
He stated, “It takes someone prepared to be unpopular for a time to resolve the big issues.” His views are reflective of a broader sentiment that navigating these challenges will require difficult decisions.
Meeting with Nigel Farage
Additionally, Ratcliffe shared insights from his recent meeting with Nigel Farage, stating that he believes Farage is intelligent and well-meaning. However, he emphasized that similar sentiments could apply to Starmer, hinting at the need for more decisive action.
Impact on Manchester United
Drawing a parallel to his role at Manchester United, Ratcliffe noted that making tough changes there has led to unpopularity, but he believes these adjustments were ultimately necessary and beneficial. He remarked, “I’ve been very unpopular at Manchester United because we’ve made lots of changes.” Ratcliffe believes that toughness is equally required to address the major issues affecting the UK.
European Industry Summit Context
These comments came during the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where prominent European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, convened to discuss economic challenges. Ratcliffe pointed to the ongoing crisis in the European chemicals sector, which he describes as facing “unsurvivable conditions.”
Ratcliffe’s claims about the UK’s immigration situation and its socio-economic implications continue to stir debate amid wider discussions on governance and economic sustainability.
